Teething represents a significant milestone in an infant's development, marked by the emergence of their first teeth from the gums. This process often brings discomfort and pain for babies, making it essential for parents to gain a deeper understanding of teething to alleviate their child's distress and navigate this exciting yet challenging phase. For new parents, deciphering their baby's experiences can be particularly perplexing. However, with adequate research, you can effectively support your baby during this time.

In a discussion with Lifestyle, Dr. Nikhita Gune, a Junior Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital in Mumbai, provided an in-depth guide to comprehending the teething process. This guide includes key signs to observe and prepares parents to address common misconceptions.

Dr. Nikhita Gune has compiled this thorough resource on teething, encompassing all the necessary information:

What is teething?

Teething, clinically referred to as Odontiasis, represents a significant developmental milestone for infants. This phase generally commences between six to twenty-four months of age, as the baby's teeth begin to break through the gums. Typically, the initial teeth to emerge are the central incisors located at the top and bottom, followed by the lateral incisors, canines, and molars. The teething process can lead to discomfort and increased irritability in infants. While some may endure only slight pain, others might face a more difficult experience.

Signs of teething

The length of time that teething symptoms persist can differ significantly; some infants may only feel discomfort for a few days, whereas others might exhibit symptoms for several months, particularly when multiple teeth are coming in at the same time. Below are some typical indicators of teething:

- Increased drooling resulting from gum inflammation.

- Heightened irritability and fussiness.

- Swollen gums.

- Slight fever (below 38°C/100.4°F).

- A tendency to gnaw and chew more frequently.

- Disturbed sleep patterns.

Order of tooth eruption

Although each baby is unique, there is a common timeline for the emergence of teeth: 

- Central incisors (lower front teeth): approximately 6 to 10 months  

- Central incisors (upper front teeth): approximately 8 to 12 months  

- Lateral incisors: approximately 9 to 16 months  

- First molars: approximately 13 to 19 months  

- Canines: approximately 16 to 23 months  

- Second molars: approximately 23 to 33 months  

By the time they reach three years of age, most children will have developed all 20 of their primary teeth.

Common myths

• Teething causes high fever: While mild temperature elevation is common, a fever over 38°C /100.4°F is usually due to an infection, not teething.
• Diarrhoea is caused by teething: Persistent diarrhoea is not a direct result of teething and should be checked by a paediatrician. Diarrhoea could be a result of the child constantly picking up foreign objects from the floor and placing them in their mouth.
• Teething is painful: Some babies experience severe pain while teething, while some babies may go through teething with little to no discomfort. The pain level depends.

Tips to relieve the teething discomfort

• Gum massage: Gently massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger can offer comfort.
• Silicone teethers: Providing your baby with a soft silicone teether can alleviate gum discomfort. It is important to avoid teethers that contain liquid gel, as they may pose a choking hazard if the baby bites down forcefully.
• Cold cloth: A clean cloth soaked in cold water can be given to the baby for chewing, offering soothing relief.
• Hard vegetables: Presenting hard pieces of carrot or peeled cucumber (sized appropriately to prevent choking) can satisfy the need to chew. Ensure that the baby has already been introduced to solid foods before offering hard vegetables.
• Dr. Nikhita Gune concluded the guide with a crucial reminder, urging parents to seek advice from a pediatric dentist or pediatrician if their baby shows signs of severe distress, persistent fever, or any other alarming symptoms.

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